Meet Our PADI-Certified Team
Learn from certified professionals with decades of experience
Ryan "Reef" Mitchell
Owner & Course Director
I'm the owner and founder of Ocean Explorers Dive & Gear here on Gili Trawangan, and I've been calling this little slice of paradise home for the past twelve years. Originally from Byron Bay, I started diving as a teenager on the Gold Coast and worked my way up through every level of PADI certification until I became a Course Director – one of only a handful in Indonesia. After years of traveling the world's best dive sites and working on liveaboards from the Red Sea to the Maldives, I fell in love with the incredible marine biodiversity around the Gili Islands and decided to put down roots. My shop has trained over 3,000 divers from complete beginners to instructor level, and I'm passionate about combining world-class dive education with marine conservation efforts. When I'm not running instructor development courses or exploring new dive sites, you'll find me working with local communities on coral restoration projects and turtle conservation programs that help protect the reefs that make this place so special.
Specialties:
- •Instructor Development Courses
- •Marine Conservation Programs
- •Coral Restoration Projects
- •Advanced Technical Diving
Why Our Instructors Stand Out
Our Dive Instructors
Marcus Chen
Dive Instructor
Originally from Singapore, I discovered my passion for diving during a university trip to the Maldives and never looked back. After completing my instructor training in Thailand, I made Gili Trawangan my permanent home three years ago. I'm known for my patient teaching style and infectious enthusiasm, and I specialize in working with nervous beginners – I have a particular talent for helping people overcome their fear of deep water. When I'm not teaching, you'll find me exploring the local reefs with my underwater camera, documenting the incredible marine biodiversity around the Gili Islands.
Specialties
Isabella Rodriguez
Marine Biology Instructor
I'm a former marine biology student from Barcelona who traded my lab coat for a wetsuit and moved to Gili Trawangan to pursue my dream of combining education with ocean conservation. As a PADI instructor with specialty certifications in coral reef conservation and fish identification, I bring scientific knowledge to every dive, turning each underwater experience into an educational adventure. I'm passionate about sustainable diving practices and regularly organize beach cleanups and coral restoration projects with my students and fellow dive professionals.
Specialties
Jake Thompson
Night Diving Specialist
I'm a laid-back Australian who left my corporate job in Melbourne five years ago to become a dive instructor in paradise. My easy-going personality and natural teaching ability make me a favorite among students, particularly those taking their first steps into the underwater world. I'm certified to teach everything from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster courses, and my specialty is night diving – I love showing people how the reef transforms after dark. My ultimate goal is to open my own dive shop and continue sharing my love for the ocean with visitors from around the world.
Specialties
Priya Sharma
Technical Diving Instructor
Born and raised in Mumbai, I discovered diving during a family vacation in the Andaman Islands and knew immediately that my future lay beneath the waves. After completing my instructor training in Goa, I moved to Gili Trawangan to gain international experience and fell in love with the island's vibrant diving community. I specialize in technical diving and wreck exploration, and I'm working toward my Course Director certification. My calm demeanor and attention to detail make me an excellent instructor for advanced courses and specialty training.
Specialties
Tom Nielsen
Maritime Safety Specialist
I'm a former commercial fisherman from Norway who brings a unique perspective to dive instruction with my deep understanding of marine ecosystems and weather patterns. I moved to Gili Trawangan after falling in love with tropical diving during a career change trip to Southeast Asia. My extensive knowledge of boat operations and maritime safety makes me invaluable for dive boat trips and advanced open water training. I'm particularly passionate about teaching sustainable fishing practices to local communities and often volunteer with marine conservation organizations.
Specialties
Student Success Stories
What Our Divers Say
Hear from certified divers who learned with our expert instructors
"Ryan's teaching style is incredible. He made me feel safe and confident from day one. I went from being terrified of deep water to completing my Advanced Open Water certification!"
"Marcus helped me overcome my fear of diving. His patience and understanding made all the difference. I can't recommend him enough for nervous beginners."
"Isabella's marine biology background adds so much depth to every dive. She taught me to see the reef in a completely new way. Truly an educational experience!"
"Jake's night diving course was unforgettable. He showed us how the reef comes alive after dark. His enthusiasm is contagious!"
"Priya's technical diving expertise is unmatched. Her attention to detail and calm demeanor made advanced training feel safe and achievable."
"Tom's maritime safety knowledge is incredible. His boat operations training gave me confidence I never had before. A true professional."
Certifications We Offer
Our instructors are certified to teach:
Ready to Learn from the Best?
Book your course with our expert instructors and start your diving journey today